Landau Forte Academy Moorhead, located in Derby, has undergone a recent inspection that highlights significant improvements in various aspects of its educational provision. The inspection took place on September 24 and 25, 2024, and the school received commendable ratings across several key areas. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, while personal development was rated as outstanding. This marks a notable improvement from the previous inspection, which indicated that the school required improvement.
Under the leadership of Principal Ruth McNeil, the school is part of the Landau Forte Charitable Trust, which provides additional support and oversight through its CEO Sarah Findlay-Cobb and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Cox. The school fosters an ambitious environment where pupils are encouraged to be brave, curious, and kind, aiming to help them become the best versions of themselves. The positive atmosphere is reflected in the strong relationships among pupils, who adhere to the ‘Moorhead Code’ that outlines expected behaviors. Pupils engage well in lessons, demonstrating respect for their teachers, who are highly regarded by the students.
The school has made significant strides since the last inspection, with the entire community recognizing the positive changes implemented. Parents and carers express unanimous support for the school, noting their children's happiness and the care provided by the staff. The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to build knowledge logically over time. In physical education, for instance, early years children engage in activities that promote their physical development, while older pupils learn specific skills in sports like tennis.
Teachers at the school benefit from extensive training and coaching, which helps them deliver effective lessons. They utilize strategies such as ‘do now’ sessions to reinforce prior learning and assess pupils' understanding to inform future planning. The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils who struggle, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they learn alongside their peers. However, there are instances where adaptations to the curriculum delivery could be improved to better meet the diverse needs of all pupils.
Despite the progress made, some challenges remain. Historical weaknesses in educational quality have resulted in knowledge gaps for older pupils, and a small number of students do not attend school regularly enough. The school is actively addressing these issues, and there has been a significant improvement in the number of pupils in key stage two achieving expected levels in reading, writing, and mathematics, although outcomes still fall short of national averages.
Reading has been prioritized, with a strong emphasis on early reading instruction. Staff are well-trained and focused on teaching phonics effectively, leading to an increasing proportion of pupils meeting the expected standards in national phonics checks. The personal development program is tailored to the needs of the pupils, offering a wide range of experiences that build confidence and leadership skills. Pupils demonstrate respect for diversity and leave the school with a clear understanding of responsible citizenship.
The trust and governors play a vital role in supporting the school’s improvement efforts, contributing to a positive work environment for staff. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, Landau Forte Academy Moorhead is on a positive trajectory, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and the holistic development of its pupils.
